Broken

Why is there always an independent British that will undoutedly make me cry? Last year it was Tyrannosaur, and this year it's this hidden gem, that apparently debuted at Cannes last year, but of course this being Australia it didn't come out here until this year in May. And because of university interrupting my life, I didn't get to see it until this weekend, so it might be dying down in terms of cinema screenings, but it's still on at Nova quite a few times, in case anyone actually wants to go see it after reading this. And you should. Like Tyrannosaur, this film has incredible emotion. Unlike Tyrannosaur, it's not as dark as you think it will be. But first, a summary.

Skunk (Eloise Laurence, in her movie debut) is an eleven year old diabetic who lives with her brother, Jed (Bill Milner), and her dad Archie (Tim Roth) in a normal British suburb. One day, Skunk shockingly watches as one of her neighbours, Rick (Robert Emms), who lives with his parents, is suddenly beaten up by another neighbour, Mr Oswald (Rory Kinnear), an agressive man with three daughters. This event triggers a downward spiral in Skunk's life, as she starts high school and is bullied, while her father begins a relationship with her au pair, Kasia (Zana Marjanovic). The stories of these three families all intertwine with each other, bringing together a tragic, yet strangely life affirming conclusion.

So, this is based on a 2008 book by Daniel Clay that was inspired by To Kill a Mockingbird. And yeah, there are similarities. Scout and Jem are phonetically similar(ish) to Skunk and Jed, Archie is also a lawyer like Atticus was, Skunk gets a boyfriend named Dylan, who serves as the Dill of this movie. There are other similarities, like Rick being the Boo Radley character, who is misunderstood and a little creepy, and I guess Cillian Murphy's character Mike could be the Tom Robinson, since he is inadvertently accused with getting one of Mr Owswald's daughters pregnant. But one shouldn't base how good a film is on how well it adapts something, one should review the film as an entity in it's own right. Which is what I'm going to do now. I may come back one day and talk about how it kinda works as an adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird, but right now, let's just focus on Broken.

Eloise Laurence is going to go far. For her first film, she manages to hold everything together, and creates a likeable, cheeky and realistic character in Skunk. Also, the connection between her and Tim Roth is so believable. The scenes just between these two were the highlights of the film. Unfortunately, there aren't enough of them, only about 3 in total. But that complaint turns into a compliment because the film expertly paced. It's very plot driven, with each character given enough time to forward the plot. Yet, there are some quiet character moments as well, like the little scenes between Skunk and her dad. And while I would love to see more of those scenes, they would probably make the film drag.

 
Broken only lasts 90 minutes, but it is quite slow. However, that isn't a bad thing. Slow is quickly becoming a compliment for films among the arthouse scene, and as I said earlier, the pacing is perfect. It feels like it's just a character study, yet on reflection all the little incidents that happen all contribute to driving the actions of the character, and direct the plot forward So, while some may think that it is rather plotless and slow, for me it just shows that the film uses good story-telling to create a non-formulaic coming-of-age drama.

The acting is also really excellent. I know I kinda got talking about Eloise Laurence then got distracted by the pacing, but let's get back on track. Tim Roth is excellent, and it is nice to see him in a meatier role than the extended cameo he had in Arbitrage last year. Cillian Murphy is also good, but in a more supporting role than the advertising suggests. Rory Kinnear is scary good, and you really feel like he is an out of control man who cannot cope with the grief of losing his wife and the responsibility of raising three out of control daughters. Robert Emms is also quite chilling, portraying a man who is very mentally disturbed, and whenever he's on screen you just think that something is going to go wrong. Which it does. Whoops, spoilers.

So, the story is a little predictable and quite depressing, but there is a liveliness to it, that comes from both Eloise Laurence, and some of the techniques that they use at times. Towards the end, it goes a little dreamlike (for reasons I will not divulge), and there is some symbolism that is very ambiguous. It could mean the passing of childhood into ... teenage hood? Or it could simply be leaving the past behind you and looking forward into the future. I think it's more the former, a long-winded way to tell the audience that our main character is growing up.

Another thing that happens a lot is that the filmmakers will show the end result of a scene before showing the events leading up to what actually happened. The most obvious (and the one with the least amount of spoilers) is at the beginning, when Mr Oswald attacks Rick for no reason that the audience has been given yet. After the attack, we flashback to see what aggrevated him to start beating Rick up, and no, I'm not going to tell you what it was. If you want to find out, go see it for yourself. This trick is repeated a couple more times to the point that the novelty of it wears off a bit. But it's still interesting and refreshing to see a different approach to the show don't tell rule.

I don't really want to say anything else because a lot of the joy found in the film comes from not knowing that much about it. Usually, I hate trailers that don't tell me what goes on in the film because they frustrate me, but I am thankful for this one. I will say that it did make me cry, well, the ending did. And even now that it's been a couple of days since I've seen it, thinking about it still makes me cry. This film is so breathtakingly refreshing, not only for the new story-telling techniques it uses, but it takes a genre that has been stretched in every way possible, the coming of age genre, and gives it a new life, even if it does take inspiration from an old favourite. Female orientated coming of age stories are so rare, and generally focuses on teenage girls rather than pre-pubescent, so I am really pleased that this is as good as it is. If you are interested, I can't recommend it enough. Until next time, readers.

Mediocre Movies: A Bunch of Amateurs

What can I say about Burt Reynolds? Well... he wasn't always an actor, and didn't really see himself as an actor, even though he had acted through college and was a part of the Hyde Park Playhouse summer stock theatre in New York. Umm, what else? He tried to audition for Sayonara, but was told he looked too much like Marlon Brando. Er... his first film was Angel Baby in 1961... and he was in Smokey and the Bandit... and Striptease... In fact, he was terrible in Striptease. His character is one of the worst written screen characters ever, and Reynolds playing him just made it all the more  excruciating. And because of that character, for a while I couldn't stand the man. Until I saw this movie, and my mind was changed. And after a while I saw Boogie Nights, and now I can kinda see the appeal. Kinda.

Reynolds' stars as aging action star Jefferson Steele, who is quickly coming to the end of his career. With no offers from any major film companies, he goes to England on the advice of his agent to star in what he thinks is a professional production of Shakespeare's King Lear, in Stratford-upon-Avon. When he arrives, however, it turns out that the production is done by an amateur acting group, being led by the firm but understanding Dorothy (Samantha Bond), in Stratford St. John. After many misinterpretations and fights with the other members of the group, Jefferson begins to get along with everybody, and starts to become more humble as he stumbles his way through  Shakespeare. Also starring is Imelda Staunton as the put-upon Mary, Derek Jacobi as the pompous Nigel and Camilla Arfwedson as Jefferson's daughter Amanda, who is also trying to break into acting.

Burt Reynolds and Shakespeare aren't two things that you would necessarily think go together, but Reynolds is actually pretty good. And even though in the beginning he is incredibly annoying, he goes through a definite change that makes the character endearing by the end. The English amateur actors are all good, but the main three, Bond, Staunton and Jacobi, steal the show. Bond's Dorothy is a no-bullshit single mum, yet she isn't austere, and there is a genuine connection between her and Jefferson, but thankfully not a fully fledged romance. Jacobi is in his element, quoting Shakespeare at random throughout, thinking he is abovethe rest and generally being stereotypically as British as he can be. But it's Imelda Staunton who steals the film as Mary, a woman who has a fangirl crush on Jefferson yet is frustrated by his rudeness, creating a bittersweet mix of wanting to please yet also wanting to kick someone in the balls.

A Bunch of Amateurs is also innovative in the way it uses the plot King Lear as a background for some of the action. There is a mad scene on the hill in this, which in all honesty is one of the best parts, and the only real part where Reynolds moves out of his comfort zone. While there are more subtle references to the source material, such as the women in the village becoming frustrated at trying to serve all of Jefferson's crazy whims, the biggest connection is through Jefferson's rocky relationship with his daughter. Not wanting to rely on her fathers falling clout, she tries to make it on her own. When that fails she realises that he was trying to protect her, though albeit in the worst way possible. The relationship is played very believably, even though the actors themselves only share about two scenes together, they are able to both convey the frustration they feel towards each other. But while the characters in this are exceptional, the plot isn't so.

The comedy relies on a lot of cliches from the 'fish-out-of-water' genre, and the 'up-himself-person-must-learn-humility-to-acheive-enlightenment' genre. For example, on the plane to England, Jefferson thinks one of the stewardesses wants his autograph, when in actual fact she wants his signature for the bill. Totally haven't seen that one before in a thousand other movies! And then of course, he complains about the weather, the size of the room, the food, the beer, the locals... pretty much everything when he actually arrives in Stratford St. John. All of this rehashed comedy makes the beginning of the movie feel very long and cringe-worthy, but the second half is a lot better. That's when it focuses more on the play rather than just Jefferson reacting to stuff.

So, is it mediocre? Well, I'd say no. It's an incredibly different film, especially from someone like Burt Reynolds, who might I add was 72 when this came out, and you can kinda see it in the way he walks and moves his hands. I think this is actually one of his best films, not as good as Deliverance and Boogie Nights, but it's up there. He made at the right time, and wasn't afraid to create a caricature of himself. While the cliched comedy can be annoying, there is some fresh stuff in there too which is genuinely hilarious, especially from Imelda Staunton.

Another reason why A Bunch of Amateurs isn't mediocre? The Queen saw the premier and then bought the DVD. That's right. The Queen of England likes this film! So, if that isn't a recomendation, then the only thing I can add is that it's probably the only movie you'll see where Derek Jacobi gets covered in shit. But seriously, this is one of those little British films that get swept under the blanket by the bigger Hollywood blockbusters (to be honest, most of the movies in this blog series will be), and if you like those sorts of movies, then you'll probably like this one. So, I'll probably have another blog up next week, since it is holidays. Unless, I decide to be lazy, which is a distinct possibility. Until next time, readers.

Top 10 Guilty Pleasures

Yeah, this was bound to happen sooner or later. I think this will be my most embarrassing list (that is, until I make my favourite Eurovision songs list) but honesty is always best, even if it means that no one will take me seriously after this. Anyway, a guilty pleasure for me is basically any movie that you feel like you shouldn't like, and yet for some perverse reason you just can't stop watching them. It comes down to what makes you embarassed to watch and enjoy. So, I hope you won't hold this against me, though I'm sure you will, but here we go.

10. Showgirls

I had to have one of the classics on here! Ah Showgirls! The film that introduced me to the gloriousness that is a truly awesome bad movie. I reckon that everyone needs to see this film at some point in their lives, because one cannot fully appreciate the good, without first fully realising just how bad the bad can be. And this is nowhere near the worst film I've seen, if it was then I wouldn't own a copy. But it does have a certain campyness that keeps people coming back. And of course, there's the script. Good God, that script! Such terrible lines filling up the film! I love it! Anyway, this is up high because, like I said, it's one of the classic bad films. Saying that this is your biggest guilty pleasure doesn't mean anything anymore. And trust me, there is going to be a lot more room to embarass myself as we go.

9. Earth Girls Are Easy

Lol, what feminism? As this list goes on, you'll see that more and more of one type of film turns up. Anyway, Earth Girls Are Easy. One of Jim Carrey's first films, and with Jeff Goldblum having as much fun as he can. Yeah, that's the best word to describe this film, fun! And stupid. And possibly sexist. No, definitely sexist in some way. But, gosh darn it, it's just so likeable! And the songs! They are the most gloriously bad songs from any movie (apart from one I'll mention later). Anyway, this is the second list this has turned up on, so I guess you could call it one of my favourite movies as well. Which only proves that I have terrible taste. 

8. The Island of Doctor Moreau

Marlon Brando, you know I love you. But it makes me hard to when you appear in films like this. What the crap is this! It's bloody insane! But what else could you expect from a film that stars the Godfather as a scientist covered suncream, Batman is a gay, drug addicted vet and Remus Lupin spends the whole movie making funny faces at the make-up. It's brilliant! In all the bad ways. Val Kilmer obviously didn't care about this film, Marlon Brando cared just too much and Fairuza Baulk is trying to forget she was ever in this. A fantastic mess of a movie! And I haven't even got to the state of the script.

7. Dune

So, some people think that Battlefield Earth is the greatest bad sci-fi, but while I did enjoy John Travolta going insane, I found the rest of the movie was just boring. But Dune, oh boy! This was brilliantly stupid. If anyone wanted to see how not to make a movie, then this would be it. Which is weird, because all the sets and scenery and costumes were actually pretty good. It was just the over use of the narration, and everyone underacting. Except Sting. I love Sting as Feyd-Rautha! He is the best part of the film. In fact, I can't remember anything else about the film apart from Sting. He's just having so much fun! Though it is a little unfortunate that this is the only David Lynch film I've seen. And just so you know, last Kyle Mclachlan film on this list, I promise!

6. Batman and Robin

This is one of the most confusing movies ever. On the one hand, it tries to re-create the dark tone of the first Tim Burton Batman with the protagonists story, and yet tries to capture the campyness of the original 60s TV series with the villains. The result? An almost glorious mess. I can explain why in three words; George Clooney sucks! Seriously, he just did this film for a paycheck. So did Alicia Silverstone, who is pretty much yawning all the way through. The reason why I actually like this movie though? The villains! I love Uma Thurman, she's up there with Demi Moore as one of my favourite bad actresses. But unlike Moore, whatever part she's in, she gives it her all! Poison Ivy is my favourite character of this, and Arnie isn't that far behind. Those two stole the film, put it in their pockets and drove off into the sunset together. Love them!

5. The Pirate Movie

This film reminds me of a Eurovision song. No, I'm serious. Latvia, 2007, they did pirates. Pretty much if you want to know how amazingly cheesey this movie is, look up this song. You know, this film should piss me off. Pirates of Penzance is one of my favourite G&S operetta's, and this is a fairly shameful ... homage? It isn't really, considering they replace most of the songs with vapid 80s pop tunes. One of which won a Razzie! But, again, it's too stupid to offend. And I can't look away, the stupidity is just too overwhelming! ARGH!!

4. Jawbreaker
 

I hate Mean Girls, and yet I like this one. I told you I had bad taste! Though I don't think this is as bad as people think it is. It's still bad, but I've seen worse. Anyway, why do I like this film? Rose McGowan! Oh my god, she is hot as hell in this! Yeah. Kinda shallow reason. But I also think it's more extreme than Mean Girls, and almost reaches Heathers levels of black comedy, but not as well. Anyway, give it a chance. It might be the only time you see Marilyn Manson out of his make up!

3. Striptease

Yay! Showgirls' demented cousin! I told you I liked Demi Moore. And to be honest, she tries her best but the screenplay was doomed from the start. Also, Burt Reynolds. The worst part of this film. I almost hated him for life because of this film. But then I saw him A Bunch of Amateurs, and all was resolved (another review for another day!). So, why is this on higher than Showgirls? Well, while Showgirls is just so bad it's baffling how it got made, Striptease is more run of the mill badness, but with better actors. But if you say you like Showgirls, then you have some street cred. If you say you like Striptease, your a sad pervert. Yep, that sums me up.

2. Zombie Strippers

I love zombie movies, I quite like theatre of the absurd and for some reason I have a fascination with stripper movies. What do you get when you combine all three? A zombie film based Rhinoceros by Eugene Ionesco about strippers. I feel like this movie was made for me. Yes, this is based on the Ionesco's play about conformity and morality, so much so that the owner of the stripclub is Ian Essko, and is played by Robert Englund. Hell yes! If you can stand all the boobs, then this is actually kinda good, in a terrible way. The makers must've actually read the original play, because there are moments of depth. Not many, okay, not really. ... but there are boobs!

1. Santa Clause 3

I can't explain this one. The fuck knows why! I can almost defend kinda liking 4 films with more breasts than plot, and yet a terrible kids movie has me stumped! But I can't look away! It's just so badly written, and Martin Short is trying too hard, and Tim Allen doesn't care! But I watch it every Christmas, and I don't know why! Gah! Well, now that you know the full extent of the darkness in my soul, I wonder how many of you will actually keep reading this? Anyway, until next time readers, though I have no idea when that will be. Bye!

Mediocre Movies: The Parole Officer

So, let's talk about Steve Coogan for a moment. I'm not his biggest fan (though my friends may not believe me), and it's mainly because I don't like the awkward comedy wheel to which he revolves. But that doesn't mean that I don't like some of his stuff. Like 24 Hour Party People or even Around the World in 80 Days, which is probably one of the worst adaptations ever made (and one day we will get to it). I still don't understand why he appears in so many kids films, and always in supporting roles. Well, apart from The Wind in the Willows. Wow, doing this introduction has made me realise just how many films of his that I've seen. Anyway, let's take a look at Coogan's first staring role directed by Australia's own John Duigan.

Probation officer Simon Garden (Coogan) is forced to move from Blackpool to Manchester after everyone in his department complained against him, and then just to make his day worse he witnesses his boss, Detective Inspector Burton (Stephen Dillane), murder an accountant. Now, the only way to clear his name is to steal the security tape that documented the crime with the help of George (Om Puri), Jeff (Steven Waddington) and Colin (Ben Miller), his only three successfull probation cases. They are then joined by Kirsty (Emma Williams), a feisty teenager who had drugs planted on her by Burton, and they get help from police officer Emma (Lena Heady). But will they be able to get the tape out without getting arrested in the process? (Obvious spoiler: They get the tape.)

So, by now you've probably noticed the first problem with this film. The main character is a probation officer rather than a parole officer. I guess The Probation Officer didn't have the same ring. The second problem with this film is that it's very predictable, but one shouldn't hold that against it. There are a lot of enjoyable films that are incredible predictable, and no one seems to care. It's the parts in between, the deviations in the script from other films in the same genre. And how does The Parole Officer stand up when viewed from that light? Well, a little hit and miss. There are some obvious jokes that they make at times, including one scene with a statue and a giant penis featuring a cameo from Simon Pegg. But the actual heist is quite ingenius in parts, mainly because the gimmick for this heist is that they're all amateurs and barely know what they're doing. For example, instead of ski masks they use insect masks and crazy string to block up the cameras.

Of course, this does mean that the heist is the best part of the movie, which is true. The forced romance between Coogan and Heady is just that, forced all the way. And in a really awkward, embarrassing way as well. Considering Coogan wrote this, I can only assume that he just wanted a make out scene at some point. Apart from Heady's character (who really is wasted in this), the other side characters are really fun, especially the crew that Simon puts together to rob the bank. And out of them, especially Emma Williams as Kirsty, who is the smartest out of all of them, really. The villain is nicely camp, but not overly so. He is able to be menacing when he needs to be. And he does have some of the best lines.

 
But now we come to the crunch. Is this mediocre? Well, kinda. If you're a fan of Coogan, or of his style of comedy then you should like this. If you like heist movies, even the silly ones, or parody movies then this might interest you. But otherwise, I'd give this a miss. It's by no means terrible, but it is rather ... predictable. I'm sorry, but that is one of the most accurate words to describe it. But now that I can put my critic hat away, I'm going to say that I do really like this film, awkward Coogan moments and all. Call a little bit of a guilty pleasure. Though I do think that the side characters are better than the main character, which is not generally a good thing.

So, to end this little review, I'm just gonna say that if you want something a little silly to pass the time, then this could be it. I do know it has cheered me up in the past week while I've been lying on my arse feeling sorry for myself. Dunno what will happen with this blog after next week when I start uni for the first time. Which I'm still a little apprehensive about. Wish me luck, readers. Until next time.

Movies I Watch While Sick

Yes, I know it has been a long time, but I don't care. I have been doing absolutely nothing and it has been glorious. And even though this title assumes otherwise, I am not sick. However, I will be getting my wisdom teeth out in a couple of days. And so I went looking for some films that other people watch when they feel under the weather. And I noticed that everyone kept putting the same films on their lists. Not that they were bad films, no. I love Ferris Bueller's Day Off and Star Wars. But they aren't what I watch when I'm sick. So, let me tell you my favourite movies to watch when I'm sick, and maybe you'll find some different ones you haven't seen that you might next time you feel like throwing up. But enough exposition, let's begin!

10. Purple Rose of Cairo

My mum borrowed this movie for some reason, and I don't think she ever watched it. And I was bored with labyrinthitis pissing off my head and I just needed something to watch and distract me. The premise for this film intrigued me and after watching it, it became my favourite Woody Allen movie. And it did distract me from my spinning head. Also, it has one of the best bittersweet endings ever! I'm still surprised no one else thought of this idea before this came out, and I still don't know why no one else has thought to use it since. But no one else could do it better than Allen.

9. Arsenic and Old Lace

I hope my mouth doesn't hurt too much after my teeth are gone because this will be the first film I am watching when I get home from the hospital! People say that laughter is the best medicine and if that's so, Cary Grant is the best doctor around. If ever anyone feels crap, then this film will make you laugh no matter what! And yes, I will be using a lot of exclamation marks! I love Cary Grant. I think he's one of the greatest actors ever, and his reactions in this film are perfectly over the top! It's also one of the best comedies ever made, with excellent support from Peter Lorre, Raymond Massey and Josephine Hull. The only problem with this is that it's too funny! You could die laughing from Grant's overacting, not that that's a bad way to go!

8. The Valet

If you are sleepy, then subtitles are probably not a good idea. But if you can keep yourself awake then this is an excellent French comedy. It's fun and gentle, and more original than a lot of American romantic comedies. And Daniel Auteil and Kristin Scott Thomas are in supporting roles! What more could you want? How about Alice Taglioni in one of the lead roles? Well, throw in Danny Boon and Virginie Ledoyen for good measure! But the cast isn't the only good thing about this film, the script is also pretty hilarious! But if you don't believe me, go and rent it yourself! No seriously, go and rent it. Now!

7. The Actors

If anyone ever needed proof that Dylan Moran could act, then this is it! This is a very silly film, with more plot than is necessarily and also an excellent cast. Michael Caine, Michael Gambon, Miranda Richardson, Lena Heady. Yeah, it isn't that amazing, but for me it's cute and funny and while the plot does seem a little convoluted at times, the acting makes up for it. And the comedy. It is a very funny film. And if you liked that one, another film that is underrated and funny if highly convoluted is the Welsh film The Baker. Also silly, another great cast and very good at distracting from annoying stomach cramps.

6. Five Children and It

I don't know what it is about kids movies, but they are really soothing when you're sick. It's probably a mix of the innocent characters, the obvious plotting and the ultimate happy uplifting ending. My mum (again) bought this one from an op shop because Kenneth Branagh was in it, but she never watched it (again). I only watched it because Eddi Izzard was in it, and also nothing else interested me at that moment. And then I loved it. And now, if I'm sick, this ends up on my watch list somehow. There's just something so enchanting about sub-par special effects mixed with kinda clunky dialogue and forced quirkiness. But I can forgive all of those flaws because there is love in the film and it is quite inspirational in a kid friendly way.

5. Guys and Dolls

I think I spent one day singing nothing but my favourite songs from this movie on repeat. So I kinda know this film off by heart, or at least the parts that I like. And even though nowadays Marlon Brando kinda makes me embarassed for him (he is not a dancer, I'm sorry), but I do think that no one can play Sky Masterson as charmingly as he does. Except maybe Anthony Warlow. Again, this is a fun film, with excellent music and it really doesn't require your full attention. And can I just say that Nathan and Adelaide are the cutest couple ever!

4. Earth Girls Are Easy

Yay, another musical! Though this one is a little more stupid. Yay for stupidity! If you're either a Goldblum fan or a Carrey fan, then you need to see this film. If you're a B-movie fan, then you need to see this film. If you're sick, then you definitely need to see this film! And if it doesn't cheer you up, then there is something wrong with you. Apart from the fact that you are sick in the first place. Even a cold-hearted feminist bitch like me likes this film, because sometimes you just want something that rots your brain and makes you laugh.

3. Night at the Museum

I watched this non-stop for a week. I'm not even exaggerating. I couldn't move my head, there was nothing else to, nothing else I wanted to watch and this was entertaining enough for me to watch over and over again. It might have something to do with the supporting cast, I think they get the best jokes out of the whole film. Especially the bromance between Jedediah (Owen Wilson) and Octavius (Steve Coogan). Considering that I wasn't even impressed by the trailer th first time I saw it, it was quite surprising when I actually did sit down and watch it all. Again, it's a childrens movie, it's a little cliched, but that just makes it easier to watch in all honesty. Especially when you feel like the world has taken a shit on you.

2. Hot Fuzz

This is the go to film when I want something familiar and fun and silly and stupid and clever and British and awesome and gore and death and swans and now I'm just listing words. But seriously, this is the fail safe film that everyone seems to like. Whenever things start to die down at a party, we watch Hot Fuzz. Whenever we run out of things to do at a sleepover, let's watch Hot Fuzz. Whenever I'm sick and puking into buckets and towels, Hot Fuzz time! It's the perfect comedy, maybe not for kids but definitely for everyone else. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost are two of the best comedic actors/writers around, and I am very excited for World's End to come out and complete the Cornetto Trilogy! But until then, there's still Hot Fuzz!

1. Pret-A-Porter

Wow, that sounds pretentious. What can I say? I first watched it all the way through when I was sick and bored. And in all honesty, it's a perfect sick film. You can fall asleep or wander off and come back later without missing anything important. It's got laughs that are a mix of slapstick and verbal humour. There's the pretty excellent inernational ensemble cast. And you can watch it over and over again and always discover something new about it. Yes, it is incredibly weird to have a Robert Altman film as my number film to watch when I'm sick, but it gets me through. And that's all that really matters.

So, as you can see, this is a fairly personal list this time. I can see why people pick those films that are easy to watch, that they've seen a million times. When I'm sick, all I want to do is lie down and never get up. These films, and quite a few others, make me laugh. And make me forget what's going on with my fucked up body. For a while at least. Until next time readers, wish me luck in the operating chair!

Mediocre Movies: The Decoy Bride

When I browse my Video Ezy, there are a lot of films I notice that no one else seems to. I'm not talking about direct to DVD movies, but actual movies that were released in cinemas (not in Australia, but other places... mainly England) that people have just disappeared or people have forgotten. And unfortunately, they are usually just left to gather dust on a shelf somewhere. Until I find them and watch them. I have no life. So, anyway, I figured that since I have no real idea what this blog is meant to be, why not have a look at these movies? And, if you didn't guess from the title, I will be finding out whether or not they really are mediocre or not (spoiler, most of them aren't). So, why am I starting with this little Scottish film? Well, mainly because it was the one I saw most recently. Not much other than that.

(This is a very complicated plot, so I'm just going to copy the plot description from Wikipedia.) Lara Tyler (Alice Eve) is one of the most famous film stars around, but all she wants to do is marry her fiance, writer James Arber (David Tennant). Besieged by paparazzi, especially Marco Ballani (Federico Castelluccio), who is obsessed with Lara, they escape to the tiny Scottish island of Hegg to try to wed in peace. However, when the paparazzi track them down, and with the locals smelling a payday, Lara becomes upset and runs away. In desperation her management team, led by Steve Korbitz (Michael Urie), decide to stage a fake wedding, hoping the paparazzi will fall for the scam and leave the island. Local girl Katie (Kelly Macdonald), who is nursing a broken heart, is recruited to pretend to be Lara. And that's not even half of the stuff that you need to know, but I'll get to that later.

Firstly, allow me to squee for a little while because this film is adorable! If you're a Doctor Who fan, then I already know that you're going to see this, but let it be known that Tennant is not the star of this film. Kelly MacDonald (who may know most recently from Boardwalk Empire) steals this show with her awkward performance as Katie, a woman who returns to her home single and depressed, with everyone on the island pressuring her to get married. Which she does, albeit accidentally. The best part about this film are the scenes between Arber and Katie, with banter passing between them that eventually becomes more and more personal as they both become closer to each other. Both actors are excellent and the chemistry between them is genuine and just so cute!

But what about the other characters? Well, let's look at the other woman, Lara. What I really like about this character is that they don't make her unlikeable. She doesn't have as much screen-time as the leads, and therefore doesn't have as much characterisation, but what we do have is a woman who merely wants to be married without the prying eyes of the press watching her. By the end, you do feel sorry for her, but she could have benefitted slightly from more characterisation. As could the photographer Marco Ballani, who disappears during the second half of the movie. But one character that does stand out is Iseabail Nic Aodh, Katie's mother played by Maureen Beattie, who is dying and is in a wheelchair. But she's not a pitiful character. Instead, we get a character who just wants to life the rest of her life with as much adventure as she can before being thrown into a volcano. Not even kidding, that's what she wants.

So, what else is there to this movie? I'll be honest, not much. There aren't any great discoveries, no big philosophical questions that need to be answered, instead it's just a sweet love story about two people who find a connection together. Though the scenery is pretty spectacular, even if it is very overcast. But is it mediocre? No, it's different enough that it stands out from other romantic comedies, the acting is better than most, with excellent comic timing from everyone. The story is predictable, but like I said, it's a romantic comedy. It was going to be predictable. But above all, you actually want the two leads to get together, which is always a bonus in a romantic film. Dylan Moran, Sally Phillips (who also co-wrote the screenplay) and James Fleet also pop up in minor roles, but the most exciting member of the supporting cast for me was Hamish Clark, who I have been dying to see since Monarch of the Glen.
 
Would I recommend this? Most definitely! If you're a Tennant fan, he's very charming. If you're a comedy fan, then this is very sweet and funny. If I've somehow sparked your curiousity (and I doubt I have) then you should check this out. The more people who see it, the better. This is one of the ones where, even though it's a silly little film, you can clearly see it was made with love. Those are always the best, no matter how convoluted they may be. And even then, this isn't that convoluted. So, next time, when I have money, it may actually be a new film. Or another one of these. We'll see how it goes. Until next time, readers.

Best films of 2012 - Non-mainstream Edition

Yes! The last list for last year! Yeah, I could've probably just made one list, but there were a lot of films that I thought needed to be recognised that wouldn't have gotten a mention otherwise. I will say this now, this list is made up more of favourites rather than straight up good movies, though in my slightly biased eyes, I consider all of these to be good movies. Feel free to disagree if you like.

So, firstly non-mainstream as defined by me is any film that released either through one cinema or they came out through a festival. Of course some festival films may have been (or about to be) released nationally. I'm still counting them on this list, since it's a list of films I saw last year, and that to me includes any festival films. Anyway, now that that's out fo the way, let's get into the last list for last year!

10. Berberian Sound Studio

I didn't see any other horror movies this year, and I know you'd be stretching to call this an outright horror movie. It's more like a psychological thriller. But whatever, this is definitely one of the most original ideas for a film I've seen in a while. Toby Jones stars as Gilderoy, an unassuming English sound engineer who is hired to do sound for an Italian giallo film (films from the likes of Dario Argento and ... others) the violent nature of which begins to take his toll on him as Gilderoy becomes more and more paranoid. But what's so original about that? Well, we never see any of the film, we just hear all the sound effects that accompany it, leaving the audience to wonder what is actually going on in the movie. I won't lie, this is slow. But the film builds well with Gideroy's silent mental breakdown, and the tension builds with it. It's not for everyone, but it is haunting and memorable in its execution.

9. I Wish

This is a very cute film. And considering how many films had exceptional child actors this year, the Maeda brothers did a very good job at standing out from the crowd with very realistic characters. This is quite a simple story, but it's one of those films where the plot isn't important. It's the characters that shape the plot that is the main focus. Kore-eda is one of the most respected Japanese directors, and sadly is not well known within mainstream Western culture. Most people have told me that his previous film with children, Nobody Knows, is the better film, and one day I will check it out. But right now, this film, with it's whimsical and hopeful feeling, is one of my favourite for the year.

8. Iron Sky

If you don't know the premise for this film, I have two words for you. Moon Nazis. Yep. This is an alternate reality dieselpunk movie, answering the question 'what if Hitler sent Nazis to the moon?' And American did not like this one. My friend first brought my attention to this, and I am so glad he did. I know a lot of people don't like this film, and I can kinda see why. It is very critical of American politics (going to far as to compare the rampant patriotism present in America today to the Third Reich), and it is a lot darker than you think it will be. But then why is it on here? Well, partly because of what the creators managed to do with such a small budget (and I'm going by todays standards). Most of the money for the film was donated by fans who wanted to see it, and it's incredible what they managed to, especially since most of it was green screen. Gonna tell you now, you won't notice it's green screen. In all honesty, it reminds of the old 50s sci-fi movies that had ridiculously long titles. And it plays out like that, though I can say that the plot took me by surprise. And there's a strong female lead. Bonus! If you go to watch it with an open mind, then it is rewarding, and I consider it to be one of the most underrated movies of 2012.

7. Ghost Graduation

Yes, I know I raved about this recently but I really do love this film. It takes tired tropes and gives them new life, possibly because this wasn't a Hollywood film. Think about it, if this was made in Hollywood, I would be able to have guessed the plot from the first ten minutes. And while some thigns were obvious, they done in a different way from what I thought they would be done. The best way to describe this film is refreshing. And you rarely get a film like that anymore. Now, if only I could find a copy of it...

6. Last Dance

Okay, now we're getting to the serious stuff. I doubt any of you have even heard of this film, it was only released through Nova after premiering at the MIFF. And even then, it wasn't at the Nova for long. But this film... I can't even put it into words. This film blew me away. I suppose a bit of plot might help. Well, a Muslim man takes an old Jewsih woman hostage after a botched terrorist operation. The film is basically their interactions and how they try to understand each others situation and their different views. It's that sort of set-up that made me want to see the film. Also the fact that it's set in Melbourne, not my side of Melbourne, but it is nice to see familiar looking buildings and trains and all that. This is a very touching movie. A little sentimental at times, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. It builds slowly but with good pacing and good performances from Julia Blake and Firass Dirani as the two leads. Another one I will be waiting desperately for the DVD for.

5. God Bless America

Because one movie criticising modern American society wasn't enough. But while Iron Sky focused on America's questionable politics, God Bless America shows us how America's shallow capitalism and obsession on celebrity has turned the country into a cultural wasteland. Reality television has taking over normal conversation, TV and radio is filled with crude that tries to shock you into laughing, when in actual fact they are sexist, racist or just downright offensive. The plot is pretty awesome, a middle-aged man loses everything and becomes dissatisfied with his life, so he decides to go around and kill all the people he thinks are idiots or just rude and undeserving to be allowed to live. Joining him is a teenage girl who has slightly more ideal and left-wing views on who they should or shouldn't kill. There is quite a bit of violence, and it is as dark as Iron Sky, but it's the conversations between the two characters that really sell the film. And it is relieving to see a film by an American that brings up all the problems in his society.

4. Le Tableau

I really wish that this had gotten a bigger release than just the MIFF last year. This is a glorious film, and if you love animation then you really need to see this. People seem to forget that the French do create some truly exceptional animation. They are up there with the Japanese in what they have been able to do in terms of CGI animation. But what I really like about this film is that it's a perfect blend of amazing visuals and obvious messages for children, and a deeper look into life for adults. I won't say it's the perfect family film, it's a little too serious and dark at times for that, but for an older kid who likes animation and art, this is brilliant. Another one I've been looking everywhere for on DVD, and still haven't been able to find. But I will! One day, I will.

3. Tyrannosaur

I think I've already said all I could about this film. And I don't mean that in a bad way. There are times when I still think about this film and tears will come to my eyes. It did make me cry more than any other film, and there was only 91 minutes of it. I think I said this in my review but if you have only seen Olivia Colman in comedic roles, then you need to see her in this. She is incredible. And this film will forever make me wary of Eddi Marsan. But at the same time, only see this if you think you can take it. It is not a pretty film. I hope that Paddy Considine does direct some more films, being an actor he knows how to direct actors. Though I don't know if I'd be able to take anything this hear breaking.

2. ParaNorman

THIS IS BEING RELEASED IN AUSTRALIA ON THURSDAY!! GUESS WHO'S GOING TO SEE AT LEAST TWO MORE TIMES!! Sorry, but I'm so excited and more than a little annoyed it took about 6 months before it's national release in Australia. Especially since the lead voice actor is Kodi Smit-McPee. Anyway, there's already been a lot of hype and Oscar buzz about this film already in the States, and it's also been appearing on a lot of 'best of' lists. I have also heard some criticism towards it, stating that it is just another loner kid makes good movie, but while it's sort of just that, it's a lot more. Norman isn't the only character that goes through a journey in this film, all of the other characters grow in some way. That makes it different to your average outcast movie. Also, there are zombies.

1. Once Upon a Time in Anatolia

Watching this movie is like your eyes having a multiple orgasm. And even then that would be an understatement. There's just so much here, and not just in visuals. The characters, who we never get any more than a description for a name, all bond in a strange way, having been brought together through the death of a man. The man charged with murder barely says anything, yet all the guilt he feels is on his face for the entirety of the film. Really, you want to know why this is so good? See the film. Nothing I say can prepare how awesome this film actually is.

At last, we are finished. Time to put 2012 behind and look into what 2013 will bring. There are a few films I'm looking forward, and some I'm not. I probably won't be doing the CAE course, as I will be starting uni this year, which will take up most of my time. I also won't be going to see as many movies in the cinemas. Though hopefully I will still be able to put up a review now and then. But that isn't until March, so until then readers, expect some new stuff. Happy late new years, enjoy your time in 2013 and live long and prosper!